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April 2
If You Text in Class, This Prof Will Leave
©istockphoto/Jon Schulte
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Some professors threaten to confiscate students’ cell phones if they go off during class. Laurence Thomas has his own approach to classroom distractions. If the philosopher at Syracuse University catches a student sending text messages or reading a newspaper in class, he’ll end the class on the spot and walk out. It doesn’t matter if there is but one texter in a large lecture of hundreds of students. If you text, he will leave.
Last week, when a student in a large lecture — in the front row no less — sent a text message, Thomas followed through on his threat (as he had done just a few days earlier). And he then sent the university’s chancellor, his dean, and all of the students an e-mail message explaining his actions and his frustration at the “brazen” disrespect he had received in class. In the e-mail, he noted that the student who sent the text message is Cuban, and that last year, two Latino students had started to play tic-tac-toe during his class.
While Thomas noted that white students are also rude, he expressed frustration that — especially as a minority scholar himself — he would be treated in this way. “One might have thought that for all the talk about racism and the good of social equality, non-white students would be particularly committed to respecting a black professor,” Thomas wrote.
Thomas followed up with a second e-mail, noting that at least one parent of a student had complained about two classes being called off. “Everyone has to understand that respect is a two-way street. I respect you, as I endeavor to do and you respect me. My experience has been that confronting students directly and asking them to stop has virtually no effect. I walk out to underscore the importance of what this means to me,” he wrote.
The e-mail went on: “Now, I do not know how this will unfold. But I will either not teach the course PHI 191 in the future or I will simply resign from Syracuse University. But what I will not do is tolerate such brazen disrespect for me. I am an old fashion individual in that I believe in principles of right and wrong that transcend every race/ethnicity and sexual identity. Ethnic diversity has become the gospel of Syracuse University. I maintain that ethnic diversity shorn of respect is utterly vapid. The respect that I demand of you stems not from arrogance or any sense of self-importance but from my unfailing commitment to your excellence. And when talk about all else blinds us to this reality, then the classroom becomes empty and meaningless.”
The incident has set off a debate at Syracuse — and multiple e-mail messages from the professor to his class, which have since been forwarded widely at the university — about what steps are appropriate for a professor to assure respect during a class, and when the mention of race is appropriate. Thomas, who has published widely and won awards for his teaching, has many fans on the campus. But many are disturbed by last week’s events and the opinions posted on the Web site of The Daily Orange run all over the place.
One person sympathetic to Thomas posted: “You have no idea what it’s like trying to teach people and do something positive for them, only to have them completely ignore you and disrespect your work by sending text messages or playing tic tac toe during class. It’s ridiculous. Not only is it clearly affecting this man’s work, but it is affecting the students that he is trying to teach as well.”
One student took a far more critical view: “We the students are the customers, the consumers, the ones who make the choice every day to pay attention or not. I pay approximately $30,000 to go here, whether I text in class or not. Laurence Thomas gets paid whether his students text in class or not. Does he think that this is the first time this has happened on any college campus? Had he acted like nearly 100 percent of the other college professors in this country, he would have shrugged it off and continued with his lecture, which he is getting paid to do. His deterring of the class and exit from the lecture only serves to highlight is own selfishness, as he will get paid while his paying students are having their time and money wasted. He needs to get over himself here.”
Syracuse’s chancellor, Nancy Cantor, has spoken out repeatedly in her career about issues of diversity and civility and the ideas of campus community. But a spokesman for the university said that Syracuse would have no comment on the situation. The spokesman also said that the university would not answer general questions, such as whether the university considers it acceptable for professors to walk out on classes because of the behavior of a single student.
In an interview with Inside Higher Ed, Thomas described his perspective on what happened — and why he responded as he did. First, he stressed that he warns students of his policies at the beginning of his courses (and comments in the Syracuse student newspaper confirm this). He also said that he feels he has no choice but to go with a group response. He also said that he carefully prepares every class session, even picking out appropriate music to play to go with his lectures. He doesn’t take his responsibilities lightly, he said.
“Back in the day, a professor could have gotten into a student’s face and said ‘don’t do such and such.’ You would be up for a lawsuit if you did that today, and if student says no, there is a stalemate, and I look like a fool.” With a female student, he added, a professor could be accused of sexual harassment.
“If you walk out, you make a statement,” he said. And in the past, the statement has generally made the point, he said.
Thomas said he applies his policy to text messaging or opening a newspaper in class. He is more tolerant than some professors of a cell phone going off, saying that he realizes that everyone forgets to turn off the phone sometimes. He also said that in a large course — this introductory class had nearly 400 students — it would be possible for many students to text without getting caught. But the student last week — and the students whose ethnicity he mentioned from an incident last year — all sat in the front row.
Many have wondered how he happened to know the student’s ethnicity and why he remarked on it. Thomas said that before class starts, he chats informally with students and that on the fateful day last week, he was talking with a group of students about politics. He made a reference to the fact that he didn’t want the white students to feel that they couldn’t be honest with their views even though he is black. The student who later texted during class was with the group of students Thomas addressed, assuming them to be white, and she shot back “I’m Cuban.”
Thomas said that in noting her ethnicity, and that of other students who have prompted him to leave class, he was simply being factual. He also said that he realizes that people may have backgrounds that are or aren’t visible and that are or aren’t relevant. He noted in his e-mail to students, for example, that he is both black and Jewish and that he understands that he does “not have the ‘Jewish’ look.”
He wrote: “Something has gone terribly wrong when a student can become indignant about being mistaken for white (her physical appearance to the contrary notwithstanding), and yet be utterly oblivious to her brazen disrespect for the black professor who is lecturing fewer than 15 feet before her. After all, text-messaging is very intentional behavior. One cannot unthinkingly engage in text-messaging.”
In the interview, he said that there was nothing wrong with making an “observation” about the Latino students whose behavior bothered him. He noted that, in the past, he has also walked out of class on account of the behavior of black students and white students. He said that he was in no way suggesting any correlation between Latino background and rudeness.
Despite his second e-mail to students, in which he implied that he might face job difficulties because of the discussion of his conduct, Thomas said he had no fear for his job. He said that he hasn’t been approached by any of his superiors and doesn’t expect to be sanctioned. “Since I’m a tenured professor, you’d have to show criminal behavior or gross negligence,” he said.
At least one national expert on dealing with classroom misbehavior thinks that Thomas went about it the wrong way.
Gerald Amada is the author of Coping With the Disruptive College Student: A Practical Model and Coping With Misconduct in the College Classroom: A Practical Model, and gives workshops on these topics at colleges all over the United States. His books were published in the 90s, before cell phones were permanently attached to most students, but he said that in his workshops, he hears constant complaints about students who receive calls or text during class.
Asked about the idea of walking out on a class when a student sends text messages, Amada said: “It’s a horrible strategy. There is something inherently wrong from a moral standpoint with collective punishment. It’s punitive. It’s unreasonable because it holds all students responsible for the behavior of all other students. It’s not legitimate.”
Amada said that while he understands the frustration professors feel, “there’s only one person in that room who has the bureaucratic, legal, and moral authority to establish discipline — and that’s the instructor.” He said that he would have no problem with an instructor telling a student who is texting to leave the class. If the student refuses (or even if the student complies), the instructor should write up notes with the student’s name and report the student (assuming the instructor has made this a clear rule at the beginning of the semester).
Telling a student to leave “may not be easy or pleasant,” Amada said, but it’s fair.
Another bit of advice Amada offered: In writing up reports about students who send text messages or refuse to leave when asked, only include what’s relevant. Making reference to a student’s race or ethnicity can lead to lawsuits and prevent a disruptive student from being punished, Amada said. He goes so far as to say that if a professor happened to be a psychologist and believed a disruptive student had a psychological condition that related to the disruption, he would urge the professor not to speculate about that condition, but to file a report detailing the behavior.
“What’s relevant to discipline is what the student did,” he said.
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Comments
Texting in class
Is texting in class the new passing notes in class? When I was a student I was capable of working on a crossword puzzle, passing notes back and forth with classmates, brushing my hair, and attending to the lecture or participating in the discussion, all at the same time. I’m not sure if we had the word for it back in the Dark Ages, but I multitasked then and I multitask now. I can understand a rule about no texting during tests, because nothing in the world would make cheating easier, but in class? With a professor who doesn’t seem to mind if a cell phone rings? Seems a bit quirky, to say the least. In my current job (college recruiting and communications) I do an enormous amount of public speaking. I too am not bothered when a cell phone rings during my talk. I’m not even bothered if the person leaves the room to carry on a discussion with the caller — I’m a parent, and I know sometimes you just have to take the calls. I do mind the (rare) occasions in which an audience member has stayed in the room to carry on their phone conversation — that’s the point at which I stop my talk and suggest they leave the room until their conversation is over. Texting seems relatively innocuous. What does this professor do when students fall asleep in class?
Jocelyn, at 7:35 am EDT on April 2, 2008
IF YOU TEXT, YOU’LL GET UNPLUGGED
I teach on-line. If any of my students get disruptive, I can simply unplug them.
In its own way, it’s like watching Darth Vader plummetting off the screen and into the void, at the end of the first “Star Wars” movie... Immensely satisfying, but you KNOW he’ll be back...
(Actually, unruliness is “virtually” unheard of in my medium. I had one really obnoxious student a few years ago, but there were “other issues in the mix” in that situation)
Larry Gillis, at 7:35 am EDT on April 2, 2008
If you text in class, this prof will leave
While this is a lot to be disturbed about in this article, I am most disturbed by the student that reminds listeners that he pays $30,000 a year and the professor is his (to paraphrase). That’s the problem with students these days, they think they are buying/enslaving their teachers at something akin to a slave market — and good grades get thrown into the transaction.
A C, at 7:35 am EDT on April 2, 2008
“We the students are the customers, the consumers, the ones who make the choice every day to pay attention or not. I pay approximately $30,000 to go here, whether I text in class or not.”
Oh, my. Someone certainly does need to get over himself here.
JBM, at 8:10 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Not your father’s note passing!
What’s the rule on old fashioned note passing?
old fashioned, at 8:10 am EDT on April 2, 2008
It’s a shame that our society has all but abandoned the one-time widely held values of doing the right thing, playing by the rules and being respectful of others, in order to promote a culture of victimization and getting one’s fair share of the pie. Colleges are beginning to see the long term impact of many years of cost-increases implemented primarily to fund the non-academic one-upmanship programs (plant upgrades, merit aid, etc.) designed to boost market ratings. Thanks to these programs largely designed by greedy college administrations, professors are beginning to be looked upon as customer service providers, as opposed to educators. In this highly competitive business environment, professors are often required to lower their grading standards to accomodate enrollment goals, athletic programs and their own continued employment. Wouldn’t it be nice if professors were truly empowered to do what they do best...teach. Unfortunately, that includes failing students who do not perform to standard and disciplining students who demonstrate conduct not becoming to a higher education learning environment. The real issue covered in this article has little or nothing to do with ethnicity.
Old School, at 8:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Perhaps some research is appropriate
Now, before anyone goes off on a purely emotional response, let’s consider the scholarship in this area. Recent studies have shown that there is a growing sense of consumerism among parents and their children in college. Given the huge increase in the cost of higher education (as most publicly-controlled institutions have ever smaller support from the state) is it so unreasonable to blame them for feeling this way? Most undergraduate students don’t understand the value of knowledge for its own sake but see the undergraduate degree as a ticket to their career choice.
While I don’t condone the student’s actions the response is somewhat understandable.
Also, being an academic who has spent considerable time outside of the academy beforehand, many of us don’t realize how good we have it compared to many in the work force.
The Watcher, The Watcher, at 8:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
texting in class
I think that there is a pervasive acceptance of behaviors that do not afford the appropriate attention and focus to the persons who are communicating in all forums. I would not be surprised is this does not lower the level and complexity of thought in our perpetually distracted culture. I agree that the behavior is disrespectful to the professor, but from what I have observed the behavior seems so ingrained in the culture of some of the younger students that I am not certain that it an intentional disrespect. There is a generational difference in cultures. From what I have observed there are students that see being on the phone, iPod and laptop during the class as their individual choice and right. I think that the professor is correct in demanding a standard of behavior, but I think that those students who can not abide by the course rules should be the ones to leave.
Joan Morris, ARNP, instructor at USF, at 8:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Don’t think so
” .. Texting seems relatively innocuous ..”
Tell that to America’s best companies.
http://www.latimes.com/news/print...ops31mar31,1,2811522.story?track=rss
” .. Frustrated by workers so plugged in that they tuned out in the middle of business meetings, a growing number of companies are going “topless,” as in no laptops allowed. Also banned from some conference rooms: BlackBerrys, iPhones and other devices on which so many people have come to depend ..”
Time-on-task. What a concept.
L.L., Certified Geek at Podunk U, at 8:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Good for you, Professor.
As a Syracuse alum (WCAS undergrad), I fully support Professor Thomas’ position and affirm his right to run his classroom in whatever manner he sees fit. It doesn’t surprise me, however, that there is still disruptive behavior and a sense of entitlement in SU classrooms. I remember several students being thrown out of the room at various times, and was myself ejected from a class on one occasion. I wasn’t paying $30K, though, and I did learn two or three lessons that day.
Stories like this are increasingly common, and student attitudes are increasingly disrespectful. Generally, institution policy seems to favor the complainant or the student. This gives students a sense that, regardless of their behavior, the institution will support them.
What does policy like this do the faculty and staff? What does it do to grad students or undergraduates who would like to be professors themselves?
Humanities Grad Student, at 8:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
If you text in class...
I’m an adjunct, and I give out a class handout each time I start a new class. The handout gives the syllabus as well as “guidelines” for what I consider acceptable classroom behavior.I go over it an length with the students on the first day of class. None of this works, however, UNLESS the department/college administration also accepts the guidelines and are willing to enforce them consistently. If the students/consumers complain, then the professor gets the blame!
rosanne soifer, at 8:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Seems arbitrary
While I understand the reaction to “brazen” disrespect, it does seem arbitrary, and also unrealistic to expect peer policing in a class of 400; a student 50 feet away from the perpetrator is punished the same as the immediate neighbor. And is the cell phone medium THAT much more offensive than other media? Is that student typing notes on her laptop, or answering emails, or updating her MySpace page? Is another student taking notes in his notebook, or doodling? Perhaps the girl with the laptop is uploading video to YouTube of a professor petulantly stomping out of a classroom.
E. Ponimus, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
End of the lecture?
Perhaps we could look at this in a different way. What I would like to see is the end of the 400-seat lecture method of teaching. Maybe if the students were engaged with the material and participating in a learning environment centered on how people really learn, they would not be texting in class. How to balance learning with the notion that students are “buying” a degree has yet to be seen, but definitely something that needs to be addressed. I think re-envisioning the learning environment is the place to start.
Betzi Bateman, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Tantrums 101
In a non-academic work environment, this man would be disciplined or fired. One does not simply walk away from a room full of people expecting you to do your job, because someone sends a text message. Thomas did it TWICE. Certainly, if he were an adjunct he would never be offered classes again. If he were an adjunct and it had been written up in the media, he might find himself replaced before the end of the semester.
For better or worse, cell phones and texting are a part of life nowadays. All of us are going to have to adapt and realize that there will always be (and always have been) students who pass notes and whisper in class. Yes, it’s irksome, but we are paid to deal with it.
Next time a student is giving a response in class, whip out your cell phone and take a call. Put your phone on vibrate, place it on the lectern, and have someone send you a dozen text messages. They’ll get your point! Have a sense of humor.
Chances are if Dr. Thomas had demonstrated less pomposity and a little more humanity, neither he not his university would be garnering bad publicity and appearing completely foolish. Let’s just hope the mainstream media have better things to write about today. Otherwise, Dr. Thomas will have provided yet another human interest piece which will, no doubt, be titled, “The Problem With Tenure.”
If his college disciplines him, and I hope the Dean does, it should include an apology to the students he left sitting in the classroom.
Sam Rosenthal, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Punishing the perpetrator
While I applaud Professor Thomas for his stance on texting, I disagree with him for inflicting a collective punishment on a whole auditorium full of students. Thrwo the little creeps out of class and be done with it.
feudi pandola, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Texting in Class
Yes the stduent is a customer but she is also a student. We get that argument here all the time. As a customer, we will try to service your needs in a respectful, caring way. We will deliver the product (your education) in an excellent manner using all of our training to deliver the best education possible. But as a studnet you are her to learn. It is your responsibility to take your education seriously (texting in class is not a serious apporach to your education) Nor is being disrespectful to your teacher. No amount of money that you pay allows you to be disrespectful- you know the rules, you must follow them. I’m so tired of studnets who are of the Burger King perspective-they cannot have it your way-we live in a world where we compromise our wants and desires to the wants and desires of the larger group. In order to serve the larger group, we establish reasonable rules for how we must behave. If we all do things our way or want things our way, then we all will be in conflict and chaos will reign.
Bob, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Texting for $30,000 a year
My guess is that Junior didn’t pay one cent for school...my bet his or her parents footed that $30,000 bill while this yo-yo is wasting their money by texting love notes in class.
feudi pandola, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
No way
I think This professor’s actions are unnecessary and cause more disruption than do any good. These issues should be addressed individually. Thats like saying, if one student cheats on an exam, the entire class should fail. That just doesn’t make any sense to me.
Shocked, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Cell phones in class
I am tired of the rudeness that seems to accompany cell phone use. The loud talker in the grocery store line, the driver who swings wide while talking on the cell phone and almost hits my car, the people during lunch who stop the entire conversation to answer their cell. It is time to learn some manners. Consequently, the very first day of my classes I tell my students to turn off their cell phones during class. I do make exceptions...a rural fireman who was on call and a students whose wife was getting ready to deliver at any moment. If the cell phone goes off in my class, and that includes the mosquito ring, I give my students one of two choices. They can either take 50% of the points they would have received on the next quiz...or I get to answer and talk first. I have no opposition to this policy and have enjoyed a couple of conversations with mothers and an uncle.
Richard, Associate professor, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
I’m Paying $30,000
I occasionally get the “I’m paying $xxx for this class.” My response is to agree with them and say, “Of course you are. And so is everyone else in the class. That’s exactly why I don’t go along with behavior like that — it’s simply not fair to everyone else in the class. In fact, I won’t put up with anything that imposes on the class’s ability to get their money’s worth from the class,”
This frames it as a matter of “fairness” (the magic word for the students), but to the class as a whole.
I’ve also responded to the “I’m the customer” line with the answer that the customer in a restaurant doesn’t get to tell the cook how to cook. If he doesn’t like the cooking, he’s within his rights to leave. But if he acts in such a way that the restaurant owner feels like he’s imposing on the other patrons, he can be asked to leave.
AnonyMouse, Assistant Professor of Finance at University of Rhode Island, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Imagine a perfect world, then operate as if it exists
Three Cheers For Professor Thomas! I quote, “I am an old fashion individual in that I believe in principles of right and wrong that transcend every race/ethnicity and sexual identity. Ethnic diversity has become the gospel of Syracuse University. I maintain that ethnic diversity shorn of respect is utterly vapid.” Why have the deep thinkers of our society and our academia abandon this logic? Have we not yet concluded that moral relativism is a failed experiment? Is this why Bill Cosby gets the grief he does for holding similar views? When Nancy was here it was the same, “Let’s imagine a perfect world, then let’s operate as if it exists” approach. Good to see that things are the same with her at Syracuse.Professor Thomas, my hat’s off to you!
Kevin, Lecturer at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, at 9:30 am EDT on April 2, 2008
texting in class
I turn consumerism on its head. I tell everyoine first thing in the semester that this is not high school and that they have paid for this time. If they want to waste their investment by talking, texting, writing other papers, reading the sports page, that is up to them but under the terms of the contract, they can’t do it in the class, which is the workspace they have contracted to use. My job is not only to impart specific knowledge and guide intellectual growth but to manage the work of the class towrad the goals of the class as described in the syllabus. Anything that gets in the way of that work, such as the afrementioned practices, can’t be tolerated. So, I say, since there is no law that says you must stay in the room, this not being high school, and since you have paid for the time, feel free to leave the room to do those things above and come back when you are finished. We are all adults, or aspire to be and as an adult, you can decide how to spend your time. You don’t hurt my feelings when you walk out and come back (or not), but you anger me as the manager of the workspace when you get in my way and in your colleague’s way. That can cost you, under the terms of the deal you signed up for and paid for.
It seems to work.
jon-christian suggs, at 9:35 am EDT on April 2, 2008
fired?
“In a non-academic work environment, this man would be disciplined or fired.”
Actually, you’ve got it back-asswards. If this were a non-academic work environment, the student would have been fired. Imagine if my boss told me not to send text messages in a meeting, and I went ahead and sent text messages anyway?
James, at 9:45 am EDT on April 2, 2008
What a remarkably immature and counterproductive response to that classroom problem! Pedagogy should be evaluated based on whether it enhances student learning or not and this one flunks. Walking out of the classroom cheats the rest of the students out of a learning opportunity and misses a true “teachable moment” — the professor shouold have noted the problem to the whole class and/or called the student aside after class or in office hours to convey how such behavior is unacceptable. Adding the layer of racial/ethnic identity to the mix based on a sample of 3, and then expecting different behavior of students based on their race or the identity of the professor is outrageous and racist.
Paul, Professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, at 9:50 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Growing Problem on Elite Campuses
I work at a major univeristy and, while I do not teach in the classroom, I see the same entitlement in the students everyday. Personally, I feel that most of this I’m-the-customer-and-the-customer-is-always-right mentality derives from their upbringing. Cell phones, laptops, mp3 players, and the distractions they provide are given to the children at younger ages; and that is the problem — they are given these items instead of being made to earn them. I see many children who do not understand the importance of these expensive items — and a college education is an expensive item, too.
Speaking as someone who had to work hard to get into and through college, the realization that skipping a class or ignoring the professor was equivilent to burning thousands of dollars. This epiphany led me to take my classes more seriously and step up to the responsibility a college education entails. It seems that many of today’s college students do not comprehend this enormous responsibility. Instead, they see it as something they have a right to own.
Many of those who have already commented have also pointed out many important flaws in the current academic world. The only place where many of these problems can be solved, though, is with the students themselves. And that may never happen.
Ward, at 9:50 am EDT on April 2, 2008
texting in class
I teach in Montreal, one of the most “wired” cities in North America but I rarely get this nonsense after the first two or three classes. That’s because I set a pop quiz worth 5% of their final grade every time a cell phone or text message ringtone goes off in class. Collective punishment works if it’s connected to the group shame principle. The thoughtless student gets to come down the front of the class, everyone sees them and glares at them throughout the day whenever they’re spotted and after the first two incidents they just dry up. Leaving the class appears petulant and, worse, ineffectual.
ed king, at 9:50 am EDT on April 2, 2008
A lot of folks here keep referencing the cell phones in terms of the students using them for talking. Please note that the Prof. said he doesn’t mind the occassional cell phone ringing...he said NOTHING about allowing students to have conversations during class.
Not punishing someone for their cell going off is not comparable to responding to someone texting.
Read closer, No Conversations, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Respect
Hi:
I personally would have more respect for the Professor if he could use the word “fashioned” correctly in such an important piece of writing.
He wrote “I am an old fashion (sic) individual...” when he should have used the word “fashioned".
Sorry to be a grammar freak, but we’re talking about education and formality here, so I’m going to hold him to the high standard he appears to want.
I also agree that he is punishing people who aren’t guilty of anything, which is wrong ethically. Unethical people should not be able to hide behind their tenure.
JR
JR, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Amada is right
Dr. Amada is correct: it’s ultimately up to the professor to establish his or her authority, and collective punishment of the class is not the right way to do it. I’m not clear on why it wasn’t possible to simply punish the offender through grade penalties, recording absences on days when students were texting or otherwise not mentally present, or simply asking them to leave. I don’t buy the argument that political correctness makes these measures impossible. It’s always possible for a professor to establish his or her authority, although it is admittedly more difficult in a large class of hundreds.
David Murray, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Customer’s “rights”
The Watcher thinks this attitude might be reasonable given how much students (or their parents) have to pay for tuition. Well my wife finds the same attitude developing among Austrian students now that they pay all of $500 a term for tuition. so I just don’t buy the notion that it is the high price that drives the attitude. Of course administrations that talk about students as “customers” do seem to share this student attitude and there might be a relationship between the two via the increasing commercialization of our culture.
Stan Nadel, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
cell phones in class
Since I started at Raritan Valley Community College in 1992, cell phones have inundated the campus. At the start of every semester, I tell my students: no cell phones, unless you are on firefighter or EMS call or there is a family emergency (member in hospital). Otherwise, turn off your cell phone.
If a cell phone rings, we will see how well it bounces off the wall. The students chuckle nervously. I have never ‘bounced’ a cell phone off the wall. I have also only had a very occasional cell phone ring, which the student immediately stiffles. As for text messaging, I haven’t to date seen students text messaging in my 35 student classes. Either they are extremely skilled, or they fear having their instrument bounced off a concrete wall.
I do not accept the student cocntention that ‘they pay tuition’ and can do whatever they choose in class. Indeed, last Monday I threw six students out of class for not being prepared. Today I believe that they will come to class ’somewhat better prepared.’
As professor I firmly believe that I can set and enforce ‘learning environment’ rules in my classroom. College policies support my withdrawing students for frequent absences. For those who disagree, I refer them to Marat Sade book/play, which poses the question whether the keepers or the patients of an insane asylum are nuts. But that is the topic for another discussion.
Keith Wheelock
Keith Wheelock, adjunct professor at Raritan Valley Community College, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
The baby with the bathwater?
While I agree with nearly all of Professor Thomas’ beliefs about respect in the classroom, I can’t agree with his choice to punish an entire class for the actions of one student — were I one of the non-offenders, I’d be angry about the interruption of my learning and far less willing to see Thomas’ side.
Having said that, there’s a little part of me that understands his need to make a big gesture — I’ve worked diligently for the past 20 years first to prepare for my career and then to do my job well. I teach because I love it. I teach in spite of an apparently useless union, a campus that can’t seem to get out of its own way, and a workload that requires me to work 12 months while only getting paid for 9.
And while I realize that students change, that naturally they reflect the cultural shifts between my generation and theirs, I remain strict about requiring appropriate classroom behavior. I’m now much more explicit in my syllabus than I needed to be when I started teaching in part b/c I understand that a generation that’s grown up with ubiquitous cellphones might not see texting as intentional rudeness, but the same rules apply. If you choose to come to class, you’re committing to an *engaged* classroom presence, sans personal technology, naptime, or other distractions. (Btw, when students do disrupt my class, the offending student goes. The rest of us stay and carry on, and the remaining students express appreciation for no longer having to put up with distracting behavior from a peer. )
Professor G, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
I wonder if there is a possible lawsuit here. Those kids are paying thousands of dollars for class hours, and this professor is not delivering on the product. Since he is not fulfilling on his end of the contract, the students should not have to fulfill theirs. They should be getting some sort of refund for classes that were canceled. At any rate, he should be fired, or the school should be boycotted in the future if he isn’t.
Chris, at 10:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Just make sure to include all the info that wasn’t taught on the walk out days in thier finals. If they are the consumers then they can choose to pay for that class again when they flunk out of that class.
Iron Peter, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
“Actually, you’ve got it back-asswards. If this were a non-academic work environment, the student would have been fired. Imagine if my boss told me not to send text messages in a meeting, and I went ahead and sent text messages anyway?”
BZZT wrong. The professor is not your boss. The students are customers and the school is the provider of learning services. They are paying thousands of dollars for class time and he’s not fulfilling what the students have paid for. They should demand a refund and Syracuse University should consider firing the professor if they want to keep any sort of credibility as a legitimate University that fulfills its duty to teach.
Chris, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
I’m ALSO paying that money
So, I did not read through all the comments but let me just say this.... to the students that say “I’m paying money, this guy needs to teach!!!” Well I am paying that money too and it’s freaking annoying when my fellow students are not paying attention in class or being a jerk and calling/texting and so on. It disrupts my attention too!! Sure I’d be upset if mt Prof. walked out. But, I suppose, I’d be more upset at the student then the Prof.
Seriously, stay home if you don’t want to be in class and pay attention. There is nothing that gets me more then some student who is half way paying attention asking for the teacher to repeat himself because they could not be bothered to may attention in the first place.
Now, about race, it’s a tough call to bring it up but he did, get over it. The point is, pay attention and give this dude the respect he deserves. If you’ve ever taught anything worth a dam you’d realize how much thought goes into an hour lecture. It’s not just show up and do it..... it’s about planning and experience to know how much you need to get your points across, keep the students engaged, and fill the time. Teaching can be very difficult especially in a class of 400 with students of varying interests and education levels.
Stop wasting your time and his.....
and stop wasting my money by jerking off in class...
thank you
kendar, I’m ALSO paying thatr money, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
I am that Professor
Dear Colleagues, let me thank you for your reflections. I hope to learn from you. I merely want to say that the reason why I do not merely ask the student to leave is that this could very easily result in an akward stalemate, plus there is the issue of the student feeling physically threatened, which has legal liability issues.
As for the size of the class, I am fortunate in that I am able to command a rather large class. I prepare music for the lecture and so forth. Thus, a lecture involving the Kantian idea of respect might have a few notes from Aretha Franklin “Respect". For the last two days, we have been talking about friendship, and I had pieces from “What Friends are For"; “Lean on Me"; and “Sorry is the Hardest Word” (Blue with Elton John). Many students applauded yesterday’s lecture. Obviously, I do not “lecture". Rather, I give a presentation.
I deeply understand the need to engage my students; and my teaching combines my love for music with my commitment to my students, along with a fair amount of computer know-how. In the case of friendship, I have also written quite a bit on the topic and I was re-thinking my views. Students got to experience that as well.
I doubt if there is ***one*** perfect solution. I merely wish to point out that my behavior was extremely mindful of alternative possibilities. Again, I hope to learn something from all of you. As for the idea that students are paying for college, I am not sure what to say here except that when the moral climate of the classroom is vapid, the learning experience is also vapid. Thank you for reading.
Laurence Thomas
Laurence Thomas, Professor at Syracuse University, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Collective Punishment
I simply cannot comprehend the people who’ve responded to this piece who have punished their classes collectively. I have an idea: How’s about every time a colleague in your department does something to disrupt a meeting, or misses office hours, the Chair docks all faculty salaries fie percent? That should solve the problem, yes?
Adults, as a rule, loathe collective punishment and resent those who practice it. When was the last time the faculty in your department were punished collectively for the transgression or oafish behavior of a single faculty member? In some departments the collective punishment would never end!
Those of you practicing collective punishment obviously want your want students to behave like responsible adults. We all do. However, wielding authority like elementary teachers gone bad won’t teach them responsibility.
Tuition dollars pay a portion of every college’s budget that goes toward faculty compensation. That’s a fact. It doesn’t make students our bosses, not does it make us their servants. If anything, this discussion demonstrates amply why earning a Ph.D. and tenure do not automatically mean one has the temperament or skills to teach.
Sam Rosenthal, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Students as Trust Beneficiaries
Students are not customers; nor are they employers who have just bought themselves a professor. If anything, they are Trust Beneficiaries. The clients are the Parents who have sacrificed to give junior an education at an institution like Syracuse; the Employers who will wonder what in heaven’s name he learned at Syracuse when he comes to work still ignorant, entitled, and rude; and the State which will then spend good money trying to figure out why all the good high-paying jobs are being exported to X.
Professors have a professional obligation to these trust beneficiaries. Sometimes that means dealing with ignorant, rude, plugged-in, turned-off students. It’s not an entertainment trust, so it’s not the professor’s obligation to keep students awake, nor to find a way to teach students who expect professors to put in 100% while they contribute 0%. But there are better ways than walking out on the whole class. The classic story is about the student who fell asleep in every class. By the first mid-term he found that he had learned nothing so went to see the professor. “Can you give me what I missed? I am kind of in a hurry here.” So mid-sentence the professor slowly fell asleep. Sometimes teaching takes place outside the classroom.
The real problem in this case is the 390 students who are making an effort and who now have lost their classes. Throw the offenders out of class. Find a University that actually supports the concept of students as trust beneficiaries (discipline, respect, and education) rather than as customers (father phoned the dean; give the kid an A), and then spend some time, with your students playing mentors and teachers, in the local high schools. It will give them a whole new perspective.
Elisabeth, Assistant Professor at University of Illinois, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Stop the Madness!
I support this professor 110%. This has got to stop.
I don’t think that people realize to what extent this disrespect has become commonplace. It is not unusual for students to arrive 30-45 minutes late for a lecture and walk right in front on the professor. I have seen students text, talk, and open a newspaper at their desk.
You can state in your syllabus (and in person) to TURN OFF the cellphones, but it does no good.
Kara Tyson, at 10:25 am EDT on April 2, 2008
great catch JR!!!
from JR’s post:
He wrote “I am an old fashion (sic) individual...” when he should have used the word “fashioned".
the above quote appeared in the article — can JR, or anyone, anyone confirm that it was NOT due to a transcription error, typo or other problem??
come on JR — get serious ...
Joe Viscomi, at 10:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Cell Phones in Class
I am a fan of group learning in various forms. Classrooms are about establishing a learning environment for everyone. So I am not opposed to group consequences. Like in life, if one student’s behavior distracts me, more than likely, it distracts others. When cell phones go off in the professional world, it redirects and dilutes the effectiveness of the entire group. When are people going to learn that it is not acceptable? As a teacher, I have a responsibility to my profession and in my profession, distracting behaviors or inappropriate.
In my class, if I hear a cell phone go off, we have a quiz. Immediately. The quiz may cover any topic I was getting to before the interruption. It works 100% of the time after the first quiz. If a student is waiting for an important call (medical reasons, for example) of course I relax the policy. Students come to class and actually help protect their own learning environment. They will ask one another if their phones are off and remind each other of my policy. It works.
EB, at 10:40 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Respect?
Like many, I have gone through several years of higher ed and now (and for quite some time) have made a carrier within professional schools. This, like so many before it, has turned into a debate about respect. On that point alone, this particular professor has very little moral capital. By walking off he disrespected every other student in that class who was obeying his rule. His rule, not theirs. If the faculty want more respect, then have the higher eds stop charging to “impart wisdom". Until you do, the faculty will always consider themselves to be ‘giving’ away their knowledge/wisdom, but the students will see it as already bought and payed for, at a very steep price. Yes, that is unreasonable. However, the students are being brought up to question authority from a young age and by the time they hit higher ed already know how much of the game is played, even if it is rudimentary knowledge. Don’t assume that because they sit in the class and a fac member is out front that the respect is automatic. Again, they know that the faculty is not there out of the goodness of their heart, and they are there because somebody other than the fac member payed real money to get them there. Of course the university is staying mute on this. They know that faculty can be elitist, over entitled, juvenile, and very difficult to deal with. And while a majority of the faculty are absolutely wonderful people there is not an inconsequential minority who will never treat anybody but another tenured faculty with true respect. This is grandstanding on the faculty members part. The last thing the university needs is to rev students, staff, non-tenure track faculty up on the respect issue.
Two points: 1: I doubt texting distracts another student they way somebody surfing porn would. So it is an individual thing in this case. If the student is actually getting what she is paying for, then she will miss something. Miss enough, get a bad final grade. Payback is built in.2: Is there a student honor code at Syracuse? If yes why is it not being used?
New York (my current state of residence) is a right to work state. A tenured fac member can be fired like anyone else. The university “...for the grace of god go I” policy is what may protect him/her. That only goes so far. Maybe this fac member should be less smug.
You might not see it in this case, but if it only takes one student even appearing to text what is stopping them pushing this button every day? Set off the chain of events that leads to, for all intensive purposes, a canceled class, and forcing the university to react to both the students and faculty members behavior?
Dan, at 10:45 am EDT on April 2, 2008
The Professor is Correct
If you expect to be a professional, begin your professional behavior, now. In the U.S. too many students approach professors as peers. And too many feel this entitlement under the presumed “ethos” of consumer rights. The correlation between dollars and ethics is made more manifest by this debate.
Kevin Hurley, Asst. Dean, at 10:45 am EDT on April 2, 2008
I am a graduate student in History. I have to admit that in mixed classes (some classes that have both graduates and undergraduates) I see a lot of behavior that is quite frankly just offensive to the professor and other students. Whether it be texting, or talking or doing something else that is disruptive to the class, just the fact that you pay to go to college does not justify your actions. Unfortunately college has become something people feel required to attend, even people who would probably not have any interest in spending a minimum of four more years in classrooms after highschool. This leads to a massive influx of students who are not particularly interesting in being there, and make classes worse off for the people that actually do care. While I am not sure just walking out of class (by the professor) actually helps anything in the end, I do not have a particular objection to it either. The bottom line is that disruptive behavior is unacceptable, but unfortunately becoming more and more common.
GrumpyGrad, at 10:45 am EDT on April 2, 2008
I am not sure I would ever walk out and leave a class “hanging.” As educators we barely have enough time as it is. That said, I would have a very “warm, friendly and personal” discussion with the offending student(s) as to their rude actions. It has always worked for me. I truly and honestly believe most people don’t go out of their way to be rude...someone just has to tell them not to be.
Steve, at 11:00 am EDT on April 2, 2008
lack of professionalism
I am disgusted with the Professor action and his lack of understanding of the life of a student in this technological age. I am not defending the student but I am commenting on the Professor action and his lack of professionalism. Many students have full/part time jobs, families, or other activities that require the immediate action of a student. Is it not more disrespectful to leave class to answer the text, rather than just take the two second to answer the message? I myself do not text in class but I can see why it might be a necessary evil. This Professor is unfortunately living in the past, when it wasn’t expected for an issue to be resolved right away. The Professor behavior is clearly petty and his action should be corrected, not the students.
esperanza, at 11:00 am EDT on April 2, 2008
After being unable to stop such behaviors (albeit using different tactics) two of my colleagues each have purchased cell phone jamming devices. While illegal in this country, they do put a fast end to in-class texting, calls, etc. It also makes for one less thing to worry about while proctoring exams too.
Mark, Professor at University of Illinois, at 11:00 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Peer punishment
One quick comment. I do not use peers pressure on my students. My son questioned that practice when he was in the 8th grade. We work real hard at trying to teach our kids not to give into peer pressure...and to think for yourself. Punishing the whole class with a pop quiz or anything else is absurd and simply wrong.
Richard, Associate professor, at 11:05 am EDT on April 2, 2008
First of all, I do think it’s terribly disrespectful to talk on a cell phone or text during class. The other thing is that all of the people that he caught, were sitting in the front row...I mean really, people, if you know it’s against the rules...how about we be a little smarter and sit in the back?
Secondly, I don’t know why everyone is getting so bent out of shape about the student’s comment about the relationship between what she pays and his JOB. What he did would not be acceptable in any other setting where he was being paid to perform. If your cleaning lady told YOU, her employer, that she would no longer do your dishes if you didn’t first scrape them off in the trash you would tell her she could do the dishes or get another job. (and before you go off on me thinking I’m some affluent individual with maids, I was on the other end of the deal and I guarantee there aren’t but a few employers that would take their “help” telling them what they will and will not do). So why, if you are paying $30,000 a YEAR to attend a university, would you think any differently (note: do any of you pay that much for ANYTHING else, yearly, and expect them not to return on the deal?). Again, it doesn’t make it right and it’s no excuse, but I can totally see the argument. He’s paid to do a job...teaching is difficult, but he obviously enjoys it. He says he is in it for the students, but then he punishes 399 students for the mistake of one. How does that show his dedication to their education?
ep, at 11:10 am EDT on April 2, 2008
texting
As disrespectful texting may be to the professor — it is far more disrespectful to the people sitting near the person texting. In one of my larger lecture classes (in which I am a student), it is quite common for students to text. It drives me insane. The constant tap tap tap is really distracting. In addition, some people leave their phones on vibrate so it goes off every few minutes when someone responds to their text. While the professor can’t hear this, I can. I pay $30,000 a year to go to college, too. Why should I have to deal with inconsiderate students sitting next to me? I applaud the professor for setting his standards high and holding his students accountable.
Kelly, at 11:15 am EDT on April 2, 2008
re: students as trust beneficiaries
I don’t know about all other students, but I recently graduated and I, not anyone else, paid for my education. My mother didn’t pay for any of it, not books, not tuition, not the dorm....nothing. She couldn’t. So before you speak for students as a whole, maybe you should remember those of us who didn’t have the way paid for us....and I took my classes VERY seriously...because I knew just exactly how much I was paying.
ep, at 11:15 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Since I asked JR to get serious maybe I should get serious. No one pays $mmmm for an education; one pays for the time and facility to INVEST in one’s education. Education to should be a love of learning and scholarship. It should be in the classroom where one learns that scholarship does not end at the end of the semester but is, or should be, a lifetime pursuit. Ideally, the classroom should be the place for the presentation and exchange of ideas – on that premise then each student has a responsibility to the instructor and their classmates to be prepared and to contribute to, and share, in that exchange. A texting student is a distraction.
The current discussion is just a symptom of a larger issue; the system is broken – the majority of students come to the college/university to “get a job” – because their parents have just spent the prior 5-10 years telling their children that they “have to go to college to get a ‘good’ job” and to those parents, a “good job” translates into money. College becomes just another hurdle, an obstacle, on the path to the empty American dream of consumption, bigger houses, bigger boats and more cars. If we’re not vigilant our system of universities and colleges may become nothing more than large occupational technical facilities.
Joe Viscomi, at 11:15 am EDT on April 2, 2008
The professor in question shows an incredible lack of moral courage because of his fear of “awkward” situations. Group punishment is only logical if you expect the group to be self-policing. Why should the group be self-policing if the ostensible class leader doesn’t have any leadership skills? The professor claims to want respect, but shows that he is morally vapid by not having the respect for the other students to do the right thing and directly address a problem that is affecting the other scholars present. They are there under his tutelage, and he doesn’t even have the basic leadership qualities necessary to show them moral courage. Why should I, as a student, trust someone to show me how to defend a dissertation if he can’t even defend a powerpoint?
And “Trust Beneficiaries?”
Elisabeth, I am a disabled retired Marine, and I assure you, I am no child, and I pay out of my own pocket at an incredibly expensive University. Maybe every one of your students is still getting money from their parents, but shame on you for thinking that there aren’t other people in the academy. The average age at Columbia University’s School of General Studies is 29, and it’s full of people with successful careers who are absolutely paying for this education. You had better believe that I would be furious if a professor walked out of a class. I don’t have loans, I am not on government subsidies. I respect my professors, and I show up to every class eager to learn, and I expect them to show up and do the job they have agreed to do.
But even if I wasn’t paying out of pocket, the argument about payment isn’t one that can be dismissed because the student scholars might not be footing the current bill...the professor still has a job the students and the university expect him to do. Walking away from that job and then flaunting the safety of tenure shows how little respect he has for the academy. Is his position really that tenure means he never has to go to work? I may not be convinced his entire class is morally bankrupt, but I am certainly convinced that he is.
Paul, Columbia University, at 11:45 am EDT on April 2, 2008
A postscript
As I mull over this story and the comments, I’m struck by Dr. Thomas’ statement that asking a student to leave might result in an uncomfortable stalemate or trigger legal liability issues. But I’m wondering if underneath/beside that, the issue of Dr. Laurence’s race also makes such a request more charged? Can a professor who’s of a different race than many/most of his students exercise the same kind of authority as I (a white woman) and have it received in the same way?
Certainly differences in gender create their own respect issues, and I can attest to the dubious delight of facing a few Neanderthals in a class from time to time. But most of my students and I have skin color in common, and whether that should make a difference or not, we all know that it does. (And my university has a disruptive behavior policy in its catalog, which I’ve been known to copy and hand out to the aforementioned cavemen.)
Do my colleagues who don’t have white skin privilege and/or unaccented English have the same access to classroom management techniques as I, and how much do race & gender play into that?
I still disagree with Dr. Thomas’ decision to punish the entire class, but I genuinely appreciate the food for thought that he and my peers have provided here.
Professor G, at 11:45 am EDT on April 2, 2008
Respect
Respect is not a commodity which can be bought or sold. Education is also not a commodity that can be bought.
Respect for oneself and others does not begin or end depending on how much money one pays for something, nor would it make much sense. Should I treat the gas attendent who fills my car with more or less respect than I would my real estate agent because I am buying a $500K house? You see the logical conundrum.
For those who say that they pay the professors salary...so do the taxpayers along with other stakeholders in the college, and it is is society’s best interest to maintain a respectful and efficient learning environment. I doubt the taxpayers are desirious of some ignorant upstart to be texting next to their daughter in class based on this absurd argument. Your purchase does not equal the ability to be contemptously disrespectful to the person who is trying to elevate you for your sake and the sake of the country.
Professor’s are taxpayers as well, and were at the college before your freshman year and will be there after you graduate, Not to mention the huge investment they have made in themselves to be the type of professor that you might pay to sit in their class.
This “texter” needs to apologize to his professor and to his/her classmates as well.
R.F., at 11:50 am EDT on April 2, 2008
The professor has also used “disrespect” as a verb, and many commenters have done so as well.
It is so dismaying to see this usage creeping into the academy!
Jean, an AU graduate student, at 12:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Spoiled?
Both the professor and the quoted student (the one who referred to his/her “consumer” role) demonstrate how spoiled we have become. By walking out the professor did nothing to curb this behavior in the future — aren’t those students who feel they have been disrespected in this incident as they have done nothing wrong and are being punished anyway MORE likely to disrespect a professor in the future? Any professor needs to set ground rules including fair punishment from day one and stick to it but FAIR is an important word. If a student sent texts in the first moments of every class, would it be appropriate to never actually teach?
Now as to the consumer student. I’m not offended by saying that our students are our customers and should get what they pay for. But I’ll use the analogy that the owner of the tire store wouldn’t feel obligated to sell a customer a mattress. Similarly, we are “selling” a particular product, part of which is a community of mutual respect. As such, students don’t get whatever they want, they get the product that we promise.
Karen, Director of Student Services, at 12:05 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Let’s hear it for the comments shared by Betzi Bateman, I think her points are the most profound and progressive thus far. We can’t just expect our students to sit, I use cell phones in my class as a way to disseminate directions for discussions.... texting is their language, and we refuse to speak it we will be the ones in the dark!
Doc, at 12:10 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
As a former teacher, I applaud the professor’s actions. Most students do not understand the amount of preparation their teachers’ put into each and every class, and many simply don’t care. Your teachers are not slaves to you and do not owe you anything simply because your parents paid a small fortune for your education. If you are “brazen” and ignorant enough to waste both your and your teacher’s time by texting, brushing your hair, doing a crossword puzzle, or reading the newspaper in the FRONT ROW, then take the money and spend it in a place where you can do such trivial activites, like the mall, perhaps.
Michele, at 12:15 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Re: The Best Response to Texting in Class
I agree with the previous posters who said that texting etc. in class is rude and disrespectful to both professor and student alike. One cannot have a proper learning environment when students are not engaged, and picking up a phone while in class disrupts everything. Yet with all due respect to Prof. Laurence Thomas, I cannot endorse his walking out of the classroom, as much as I understand the motivation. It is the offending student who should be told—not asked—to leave, and if the student refuses, then campus security should be called in. The one or two times cell phones have become an issue in my class I told the students firmly to put them away immediately, and once I had to raise my voice and say “NOW!!!” when the student kept tapping away. But if the student persisted, I would have happily chucked them out, and my guess is that the rest of the class would have endorsed my decision. (One time, a student occupied herself by balancing her checkbook in front of me. When I noticed this, I stopped teaching and just stared at her. It took a minute or two before the rest of the class noticed what was going on, and they put a stop to her “non-classroom related activity.")
Many have suggested that the rules ought to be spelled out in the syllabus, and to that end, I offer my own boilerplate:
Classroom Etiquette
Please turn off all cell phones, smart phones, Blackberries, Blueberries, iPods, Blue Tooth headsets, and/or any other form of electronic communication while in class. Calling, text-messaging, or listening to music in class will not be tolerated. Also, leaving abruptly in the middle of class because you think you are bored and have discovered something more interesting is incredibly rude, disruptive to the class, and self-defeating. Please do not do it.
E-mail Etiquette
While I usually answer e-mails quickly, please wait 48 hours before resending your message. Also, please do not send messages asking questions about issues that are in the syllabus (e.g., exam dates), and please observe conventional spelling, grammar, and syntax. Writing something along the lines of “yo prof whassup wht hppnd n class 2day anythng important?” will not get an answer.
Feel free to use this as you will.
Peter C. Herman, Professor at San Diego State University, at 12:15 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
i agree with the student who said that we are the consumers. We as college students pay the professors for their time, not the other way around. the fact that this professor punished an entire class — 399 people, for 1 student’s mistake is preposterous. I personally have never sent a text message in class, but i think if the student decides not to listen to the lecture or participate in class time that is his own money he is wasting.
As for the professor’ reference to the student’s ethnicity, i think the professor might be a little prejudice himself. The fact that he is black was not not the reason the student text messaged. He thinks a little too much of himself.
kay, at 12:20 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Punish Everyone?
Let us say the class meets once a week for the entire semester (no spring break or holiday interruptions) that is what, 16 classes max? You cancel 2 of those classes based on the actions of one or two students in the course. Now I am down to 14 classes that were already packed to the gills with stuff I needed to learn so there isn’t much chance that those 2 canceled classes are made up for. Do I, as a non-disruptive student, get a refund for the money I spent on the credits — money I paid the university in good faith?
Matt, at 1:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Question for ep
ep,
I respectfully ask if you really paid for all of your education? That is did you recieve any grants or scholarships from the federal or state governments? From your institution? From outside organizations or foundations? If so you did not pay for your entire education. I know your point was that your mother could not afford to help you pay for college so it was left to you to find a way to finance your education but unless you either paid all your expesnses out of pocket or covered them with a combination of work and loan you did not “pay for your entire education". If your received federal grants I as a taxpayer helped pay for your education. I point this out because I am resonsible for administering the financial aid program at my institution and I often have students and parents say to me that “I am paying nearly $30,000 to attend here and I am entitled to this from this administrator or professor". In almost all cases they are not paying the full tuition price, they are being subsidized by a variety of instituitons and people who believe that helping a student get an education is a good for that student and for our society. In this age of consumerism it would do students well to remember that there are people who have invested in them sometimes as much if not more then they have invested in themselves. I encourage my students to remember this when they are thinking about missing class or not paying attention in class. In most cases they are not only letting themselves down they are letting down those of us are helping to support their education.
Ed, at 1:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Career academics are so incredibly arrogant. So I’m not surprised that many commentators scoff at the notion that students are consumers paying for a service, but think nothing of Thomas arrogantly flaunting his tenure. I’m also not surprised that many commentators belittle students whose parents pay for their education, and yet have never worked a day outside of the sheltered world of academia. As a student, adjunct professor, and attorney, I guarantee that, as tuition skyrockets and grades become more important than ever, there will be increased efforts to hold academics accountable to minimum performance standards. If you don’t like it, try to get and keep a job in the real world where you get (at most) two weeks off and actually have to be in your office more than one hour each week.
R.C. Clayton, at 1:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
I am offended by several elements of this story. First, that Professor Thomas has made race a factor in the discussion is absolutely inappropriate and irrelevant. Disrespect for a black professor is not a greater or lesser transgression. Mentioning the race of the disrespectful students is blatantly racist and offensive. Second, paying for a “product,” is an equally ridiculous concept. This is not a transaction— the product is priced differently for each “customer,” there is no refund for those who are dissatisfied, and there is no ability for the providor of the product to control the behavior of its employees. Education is neither product nor service. The non-profit world plays by its own rules—and not very good (or consistent) rules at that. Third,Professors may walk out when they are disrespected, but students may not do so without some consequence. Professors routinely cancel class for frivolous and self-indulgent reasons—-and make-up time is rarely offered. If those actually footing the bill understood how pervasive this practice of laziness and disregard for students has become, they would all walk out—checkbooks in hand! Respect, ladies and gentlemen, is a two-way street. Act like a professional. Stop whining. Do your job. That is how one exercises control over one’s work environment. Dr. Thomas would never survive in the private sector, with or without his obvious overplaying of the race card!
ayo, at 1:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
I’d say.
I am in support of professor Thomas. I personally coach a gmynastics team and I hold a strict rule, no cell phones during practice. If I see you with it, I take it and you get it at the end, OR you can take it and leave, you are done for the night. It is his class and his rules. It doesn’t matter if the student, or myself likes them. He is in charge and his rules are just that. End of story. -James Forkey
James, Appropriate?, at 1:05 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Rules and Punishment
Dear Colleagues, Thank you for your comments. I should like to mention just two things. One is that I always present students with the rules for the course from the very outset. It would be unfair not to do that. Moreover, I mention the matter in class from time to time. The second pertains to the issue of punishment. Your comments have given me pause. But consider this. It seems to happen often enough that when most of the students have not done the reading, a professor will walk out. This is rarely characterized as punishing those who have read. Perhaps it ought to be.
Again, Thank You for your comments.
Laurence Thomas
p.s.—
On the issue of disrespect being used as a verb. Thank you for catching that. But the English language is very much an evolving language. The word “party” was once only a noun, but it is now a very much a verb “to party".
Laurence Thomas, Syracuse University, at 1:05 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
re: Reading and Walking
Once, in a very large class, it became quickly apparent that very few had done the reading, so I did two things. I kicked out everyone but those who had done the reading and proceed to teach them about that day’s text. Second, I told everyone before they left that there would be a quiz the next day on the reading. If passed, it would be worth nothing; if failed, 50% of the grade.
Everybody passed, and I never had that problem again.
Peter C. Herman, Professor at San Diego State University, at 1:25 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
The “how” Professor Thomas enacted his rules is debatable, but I certainly respect the “why.” Everyone, not just students, can benefit from an atmosphere where respect and proper behavior is taken seriously and, moreover, expected. We live in an increasingly casual world where almost anything goes in the name of not being judgmental. Good for Professor Thomas for reestablishing a standard.
Ursula Gross, at 1:30 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Kudos
I give this man a standing ovation. This is a ridiculous world that we live in. The Burger King World. I think leaving the classroom is the best way to teach the student and students that “your” way will not always work in this world. I don’t understand why everyone is griping that this is morally wrong. Are you not morally wrong by doing this out of disrespect, intentional or not? I was taught at a young age to respect, not blind respect, but respecting someone of their position if said person and position are worthy of respect. Could you get up in front of 400 or so individuals and try to teach them something that they may or may not care about? Few can, and few will. I know that if I was in this classroom at the time of the walk out I would be furious, but not at the professor. He gave a list of acceptable guidelines to be followed, to better the learning. Who cares if 400 students are angry when he walks out, if you didn’t break the guidelines in the first place then none of this would have ever happened. Kudos to you professor, don’t let people tell you that you’re morally wrong, or that your discipline is to strict. Rules are rules for a reason, if they’re broken then there are consequences.
Jonathan, systems administrator at none, at 1:30 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
don’t punish everyone
It is not fair to punish all students for the bad actions of a few. The professor should bar students caught texting messages from future classes. Kicking them out from one class is not enough, that will not deter them. Everybody wins, because the disruptive students will no longer be around to cause problems.
Sean F, at 1:30 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
The Respect We All Owe One Another
What disturbs me most about the behavior of Professor Thomas’s texting student is how rude it was irrespective of Thomas’s status as the professor. A professor in class is talking to his or her students, and under normal circumstances it’s very rude to be conspicuously directing one’s attention elsewhere when someone is talking to you. Indeed, such behavior is so rude that it is sometimes undertaken as deliberate insult. Thus, the student failed to show Professor Thomas the basic respect that every adult owes every other adult. And this respect is owed even to people whom you are in some sense employing.
If Professor Thomas needs to get over himself, then we all do.
Andrew Melnyk, at 1:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Devils Advocate
I agree with the issue of respect in the classroom and am annoyed by adults, faculty, admins who leave their ringers on during meetings, presentations, etc. (have they not heard of ‘vibrate’?)
However, I think the no-cell phone rule in the classroom might need some rethinking due to the current alert systems that schools are now putting in place. Most are utilizing SMS/text technology to reach students in the case of a campus emergency. After VT and NIU, it seems that a no-cell policy will not fly.
BV, at 1:55 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
?
I’m confused at the professor’s statement that asking a student to leave might be considered a physical threat and therefore a legal liability.
First, by asking a person to leave a class, you are in no way physically threatening that person, unless you say something to the effect of, “Get out of my class, or you’ll get a thrashing!” Simply stating, “Your behavior is disrespectful, so I’m asking you to leave” in a firm tone is by no means physically threatening.
Also, it seems to me that punishing 399 other students for the behavior of one is more of a legal liability. Not to mention making racially discriminating comments!
Lisa, at 2:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
So, if you were attending a speech or a play along with 400 other people, and the speaker or theater group simply ended the event because someone in the far corner decided to text, you would have no problem with that? You would simply leave without complaint and without asking for a refund? I think you would complain and would ask for a refund. What is missing in this discussion is the acknowledgement that college students should be respected as adults, not treated like children by a professor who’s over-inflated concept of self-importance was offended because a single student wasn’t hanging on his every word.
R.C. Clayton, at 2:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
What about doodling?
Texting does not distract other students or disrupt the class in any other way. Does the professor leave when he sees students not taking notes, or doodling in their notebooks? As long as they don’t distract everyone else, he seems to be overreacting.
Maria, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
studnts talking in class
I have been shocked to learn that many of the medical students I teach either do not attand lectures or do so reluctantly because they object to the rude behavior of other students who do not pay attention and talk or otherwise disrupt their neighbors. Thye lectures now are all on the web so they lose less than we would have when I was a medical student. One would think that medical students are highly motivated enough to pay attention but apparently that is not the case. I teach a clinical subject and do not give lectures to large groups.
Michael Kennedy, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Undelivered Services
I understand there is a class action suit under consideration against the school and professor. Part of the conversation included a civil conspiracy count because the school appears to condone it.
Uncle Fester, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
This Prof. will leave
In the USMC if a new enlistee has a problem bedwetting, he would be put in the bunk above the biggest, meanest SOB in the group. This usually fixed the problem. Of course you can’t have the other students punishing the offender, but the Prof. could have applied a bit of pain by deducting one letter grade from either mid term or final grade for each infraction. The other students wouldn’t suffer and the Prof. would have the satisfaction of the final word.
The Spartan, Univ of MD, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
No Defense
Adding insult to injury, a student who is responsible for such actions (text messaging or other rude behaviors in class)or who might be asked to leave a classroom, can exact revenge just by scooting on over to the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action to accuse the professor of most anything. And that student may remain anonymous, which means you don’t have a right to defend yourself. You are at the mercy of The Office (choose your ultimate authority)because you can’t defend yourself against a ghost. Now,findings show that the high school dropout rate is high, and that respect in the college classroom is low. Does everyone really need an education? Take your thirty grand somewhere else.
Jon Plaisted, Stony Brook University, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Why not Just Cut The Course Like I Did?
My frosh year at Villanova in 1970, I had to take a dumb philosophy course. I regularly cut the course and went to the fieldhouse to play pickup basketball for a few hours.
Of course, it took me 7 years to graduate.
AJ Lynch, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Spoiled brat. The professor, I mean.
Jay D, Mr., at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Dear Professor:
One important rule of conduct has perhaps escaped your notice. A gentleman does not react to rudeness with more rudeness.
hubert schaneman, at 2:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
get over yourself
Academics of all stripes need to get over the preposterous notion that they are somehow deserving of special status or greater respect than any other service profession, for example the barristas at Starbucks. Strictly speaking the service they provide is not to the students, but to the students’ parents. They have no more right to walk away from a class than the barrista has to walk away with a customer’s money without providing the coffee that has been ordered. The University should fire this employee immediately.
john, at 2:45 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
The real issue is...
It is true that there are myriad ways the Professor could have responded to the wayward student, and perhaps he should’ve responded differently. However, that is not the fundamental issue. What’s at the center here is whether an educator can expect — and enforce — a standard of behavior in his or her classroom. In my opinion, that is both a right and an expectation.
Amy, a public 4-year, at 3:10 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Why is this professor so preoccupied with race and ethnicity. This article should have been about electronic devices and how/whether they disrupt classroom environments, not a disputation on SU’s commitment to ethnic diversity. He claims to be an “old fashioned individual” yet all of his rhetoric is right out of the collectivist’s handbook.
edward, at 3:30 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
So if students are the customers,...
...doesn’t that imply that students are not just paying for lectures, but for A’s as well?
I have already heard this from students. “In this class it is too difficult to get an A. I am PAYING for this and I need A’s to keep my scholarship/get into law school/whatever".
My response has always been, you’re an adult, manage your time. If it’s not worth the effort to get an A in this class, well, the catalog is full of courses and America is full of universities where your money might be better spent.
Gabriel Hanna, WSU, at 3:30 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
I have to agree with Anonymouse. I emphasis to students in my classes every semester that they are the customer but they do not have the right to diminish other students in gaining an education. Failure to respect that simple rule will be reported. Continued infractions will affect their grades.
JohnMc, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
(1) The biggest act of disrespect is that there are 400 students is this class. There is no good way to control the behavior or 400 people. If student/customers (& tax payers) want their money’s worth out of higher education, this is the first issue to address.
(2) Jocelyn wrote: “Is texting in class the new passing notes in class? When I was a student I was capable of working on a crossword puzzle, passing notes back and forth with classmates, brushing my hair, and attending to the lecture or participating in the discussion, all at the same time.”
It is likely that you were bothering other students who were trying to learn, but were too shy to tell you to can it. And yes, one can hear texting. Many lectures require students to think hard. For weaker students minor distractions can break their concentration. I have been in the middle of solving a difficult problem on the broad when someone’s chewing caused me to lose my train of thought. The lectures you give in your work — important though they are — do not require sustained concentration and there is no quiz at the end!
Math Prof, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
(Leaving out the race issue for the moment...) I don’t see what the problem is here. He allegedly lays out the policy at the beginning of the course. If you don’t like it, you’re free to opt out at that point. Texting is distracting to other students in the course (who are also “paying” to be there if we want to talk about consumerism); it is disruptive. While this is not a tactic I would use myself, I support his right to do so.
Some TA, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Some professionals may need special respect to do their jobs
“Academics of all stripes need to get over the preposterous notion that they are somehow deserving of special status or greater respect than any other service profession, for example the barristas at Starbucks.”
On the contrary, I think there is a genuine issue here. There may be professions in which the service can’t be provided, or can’t be provided well, unless the recipient of the service adopts a special attitude toward the professional. For example, my doctor would be less effective in caring for my health if I didn’t have special respect for her—especially for her superior knowledge and her concern for my welfare—that I do have. Without that special respect, I wouldn’t be a very compliant patient, and my health would suffer.
Professors may well be in an analogous position. It’s not absurd to suppose that unless students have a special respect for their professors’ superior knowledge and concern for their intellectual development they will be less compliant, and hence will learn less than they otherwise would.
I note also that there are professionals (e.g., personal trainers, coaches) from whom you actually have to take orders if they are to do their job properly.
Andrew Melnyk, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Accept it. It’s rude to text in class. Anyone who thinks otherwise just HAS to get over it, or deal with being considered rude for the rest of your life.
At least this professor made a point. Everyone has now heard about the one kid. He should be embarassed.
My biggest beef with the article is the kid who described students as customers. Never mind respect for the person who has dedicated their life to the subject you are studying. Remember that whole admissions process? If I am not mistaken, students still have to get in to a college, which is why a student is subordinate to a professor. Just because you pay tuition doesn’t mean you are in charge of them.
Believe it or not, professors are smarter than you. That’s WHY you pay money to go to school.
Colleen, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Old people
People, you need to move past the 1050’s. We don’t use typewriters and no longer wait at the corner soda jerk for a cold sod-e-pop with our poodle skirts on. Sorry. I hope I’m not the first to say your youth is dead. Things have changed. All us whipper-snappers have commandeered your lawns.
As for the interruptions in class. The best solution Ive seen is putting something like “seeing a cellphone is class is the automatic assumption that a student is cheating, such practices will be dealt with according to university policies” Never saw a cell in those classes and only heard a few complaints. Any student opposed would be given the option to drop the class.
Rob, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Great Idea, but what did race have to do with this, again?
I’m as WASPy as you can get and I’ve had students text, IM and even try to do a cell phone call (I had fun with THAT one, I’m mean and twisted). It’s even worse when a student takes the lead in a seminar or similar settings, and that’s even when the material presented by the student is going to “be on the test.” For that I HAVE thrown students out and explicitly knocked their grade down when it was their turn (and they know it’s gonna happen since the syllabus says that their respect for their fellow student lecturers will be counted in their grade). It’s not about respecting the race, gender or even rank of the person before you, but the person — and for that matter your peers sitting with you. Does this fellow think his predicament is unique or is it his entitlement to classroom respect that’s unique. I doubt either case, but that’s what’s coming out in the story.
That said, I agree that walking out of class is a very innovative way to deal with it, and I salute him for it, tenure or no. I also like an additional dig where material in the class plan should still be on the exam, and you pick up the next lecture at the start of THAT DAY’S lecture (not where the interruption occurs). Otherwise it’s just a day off.
As for it being “collective” punishment and “unfair"? Pshaw. If students want the “perks” of things like group learning, working together on homework and projects, etc., they must recognize that if they are in it together with a problem set, they’re in it together for a lecture. If they don’t like it, they can give the electronically-abetted slacker a blanket party.
Will, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Prof. Thomas Is a Role Model
I’m amazed that this story has generated over 100 comments thus far.
I fully support Prof. Thomas and it would be ennobling to see some top administrators at Syracuse step up to the plate and vigorously defend him.
When I taught undergraduates in the 1980s-90s, I explained on the first day of classes (briefly and with levity) what was or was not permitted during our one hour of class time. No eating of foods, no drinking of beverages, no telling of jokes.
I also asked them to take care of restroom matters before class, reminding them that I was by far the oldest person in the room yet somehow I never needed to eat in class, drink in class, or leave the room.
My students got the point and thereafter it was never an issue. Thanks again to Prof. Thomas for demonstrating a sound and effective model of classroom decorum and to his clueless critics for validating his convictions.
Chuck, at 3:40 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
@Gabriel Hanna
No, as a student I am not paying for an A or any grade. I am paying for the time of the professor who is teaching the class and any associated costs like use of a classroom. I cannot even say that I am paying for the credits since if I fail the course I don’t actually get the credits. all I am paying for is the professors time, the rest is up to me as a student. No?
And I do think that the students should be respectful of their professor but it is a two way street. If you were disrespectful of me do I have the right to take it out on other people?
Matt, at 4:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Get over it
I think the instructor should get over himself. Sending a text message or playing tic tac toe in class has to be less distracting for the whole than the professor walking out and refusing to finish the class. If those “rude” students are happy with their grades and aren’t distracting other students, I don’t see the big deal. The professor doesn’t seem to realize that he’s working for the tuition-paying students. The only egos I’ve seen as big as this guy’s were on judges and God.
David, at 4:25 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
“Believe it or not, professors are smarter than you.” — No, professors have very specific knowledge in very specific areas (how arrogant can you be?). It does not necessarily follow that they have any clue about how to teach or manage a classroom. The notions expressed by earlier commentators that a professor can establish any standard he sees fit for “his” classroom are outrageous. Mark my words, these issues will soon be decided by courts.
R.C. Clayton, at 4:25 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Tuition and Student Rights/Responsibilities
Perhaps a slightly different view of the “I paid to be here, so I can do as I please” argument.
The paying student does have a vested interest in the professor’s performance, but not free reign. The school, and by extension, the professor, also has a financial interest in the student’s performance. If the student does poorly in school, and subsequently in the marketplace, this affects the reputation of the school and can have an impact on the reputation and viability of the institution.
So, yes, the student as consumer should expect a quality product, but also has an obligation to become one as well. The admissions process is part of the institution’s means to protest its own ability to produce quality graduates. Policies like those discussed here are on more tool in this effort.
Mark Webster, at 5:00 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
certainly telling...
Setting aside for a moment the merits of Prof. Thomas’ actions, I think it’s an amusing critique of academia that this immediately degenerated into a discussion about race. Thomas very well may have a point about respect between students and professors, but is laughable to suggest that his blackness, or a students cubanness (hidden under color of whiteness ! whatever does that mean?!), has anything to do with an 18-22 year old’s decision to ignore her professor for a few moments and text her sorority sisters about last night’s “American Idol.”
Cabbage, at 5:35 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Respect for professionals
1) The race issue is irrelevant. To understand why, you must pay attention to Thomas’ comments about Syracuse Chancellor Nancy Cantor. Cantor stresses diversity above all else. Thomas’ point: a Cuban student interacting with a black professor counts as diverse if anything does. But, without respect, that diversity is meaningless.
2) Students are paying for a privilege: the privilege to be in the company of exceptionally talented individuals who can provide enlightenment to those students (though some fail, of course). If a professor is distracted, he cannot provide that privilege. Thomas’ policies ensure that he won’t be distracted and that he can provide the privilege. If students don’t like it, they don’t have to come.
3) Thomas is teaching an ethics class. The lesson his students learned from his leaving is invaluable: there are consequences to disrespectful behavior that harm others. First, the student’s texting harms those around her by distracting them. Second, it harms the professor in this case by distracting him and preventing him from doing his job. Third, by preventing him from doing his job it harms all the other students. When this student chose to text, she incurred the responsibility for his leaving. It is HER fault, not his. As a corollary, to those of you who say he robbed the students of an educational opportunity: he did the opposite. He gave them a lesson more effectively than he could have with words alone. (Note: he did use words alone in his syllabus. The student didn’t care.)
4) In my syllabus I state explicitly: I will not answer emails that are inappropriately addressed, that contain many spelling and grammatical mistakes, and so on. Yet, I still get many of those emails. So, when as professors we begin with the odds stacked again us (students don’t even read the syllabus), we are forced to include punitive measures. But we only do this if we care. And that is perhaps the most important thing to note here.
If Laurence Thomas did not give a damn about his students, he would not have included this policy. Why make his life difficult, after all? If he didn’t care, he would just show up to class, get through it, and go on with his life. He would do the minimum that so many do do. The policy does not exist so that he can marvel at the wonderful strength his tenure affords him. It exists because as a professional, he knows something about what one has to do to be most effective. If your MD told you to take penicillin, would you ignore him? If you did, we might ask why you were in his office in the first place. Moreover, if you did, we’d say that you were an idiot who couldn’t see how to get what supposedly he wanted.
Others may have dealt differently with the student. And other doctors may have prescribed something different, or not anything at all. Nevertheless, what worth is it being a professional if you cannot be trusted to do your job the best way you know how? Laurence Thomas’ record of success at Syracuse indicates that he knows how to do his job well.
Larry James, at 6:15 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Support, and Comments on Duty
I fully support the Prof’s decision to follow his own stated policy (although if I were asked, over coffee as a colleague, how to construct such a policy, I would not recommend such a broadly-based group punishment.)
It’s amusing to read the “consumerist” posts in this thread, which seem to expect the U to do something (and the rumor of a class-action suit with the U complicit made me laugh out loud.) No professor will get challenged in how he/she handles the extent of class time, unless the U has a specific policy requiring that all classes run their full allotted time.
(Some universities are explicit about this in their faculty handbook; others aren’t. I remember reading with some amusement a clause mandating that each class meet AT LEAST ONCE during the semester!)
Speaking as a 10+-year veteran teacher, I would be very, very surprised if the U did anything formal in this case. A petition, signed by a group of students pledging not to text in class and requesting continued instruction even if their non-signing peers proved disrespectful, would certainly sway me to change the policy; I might even be persuaded to schedule a special session for the signers, covering the omitted material. In the absence of such a petition, a gentle suggestion from the Department Chair (saying that the non-texting students were upset, that they had wanted to learn philosophy, and felt that they were being denied the opportunity) would be a very strong action; a tenured prof would be well within his/her rights to take this as advice rather than an order.
Part of the confusion in the minds of people against the Prof’s actions seems to be a basic question of duty. The students think the prof “owes them” something. In fact, the prof’s duty is to the U; any claims to the contrary (however persuasive they might be) are moral arguments and not legal. Inasmuch as the students are customers at all, they are customers of the U, not the prof; if the students think they have a contract claim against the U, they should read their contract carefully.
Mike Croft, Associate Professor at Major American University, at 6:15 pm EDT on April 2, 2008
Why some leave academia?
First, I wouldn’t have canceled class. Just stopped it for five minutes. That’s why school bus drivers do when K-3’s act up.
Second, the rise of unruly students. I’ve asked unruly students to leave if unhappy. Then the “I’m paying for this ..” crap comes out (forget the taxpayer subsidies). Then other (long-suffering) students try to restrain Mr./Ms. Mouth. A freakin’ nightmare — but what do you expect when there are no standards for conduct?
(Example: right now, I’m in library “quiet zone.” A student has her iPod earphones on so loud, I can hear Beyonce at 50 feet — like a swarm of bees. She’s been asked twice to turn it down. Imagine what that volume level is doing to her long-term hearing capability.)
Third, as for a minority professor being “disrespected” — imagine how non-minorities feel. Rumor is, silly as it might be, they don’t enjoy being diss’ed, either.
No standards of conduct — no authentic learning. How much simpler can it be?
L.L., at 1:51 pm EDT on April 2, 2008